This picture was taken of one of our favorite beaches…an hour’s drive, and then an hour’s boat ride from our house! It’s not a place we get to often, obviously, but it’s a mini-break from our busy lives whenever we get out there for the day. There are no 7-11’s or ice cream stands behind the trees, so we have to pack everything, but the isolation and beauty remind me that we live in a beautiful country and there are perks living in a 3rd world country; the coral reef hiding right below the water’s surface is one of them. All of my boys learn to snorkel and get their own snorkel gear when they start 1st grade! When we were in the States last time, the aquariums at SeaWorld were such a disappointment – seeing it for yourself in the nature is so much cooler!

My favorite verses regarding life on this island are Psalms 65:5-8 – “You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas.” “Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy.” I feel sometimes like we live at the very ends of the earth, and at the beach, looking out over the open ocean, it can be a bit intimidating. I love that we are here so that those who live in this distant place can know and worship their Creator too.

About the author

Emily Blythe and her husband have been serving the Lord and swatting mosquitos for almost 7 years in the Asia Pacific. Currently, they oversee a mission guest house in a small coastal town. Emily’s days are full of taking care of guests, househelpers, and 3 cape-wearing, sword-wielding little boys. She blogs regularly about life as a cross-cultural mom at 3nakallittleboys.blogspot.com.